Ben Stelter’s free hockey card being resold online for hundreds: ‘You have to make money off everything?’
The hockey card of five-year-old Edmonton Oilers fan Ben Stelter – which was given out for free at a game last week – is being sold online for hundreds of dollars in some cases.
That’s not sitting right with the owner of a sports cards and collectibles shop in Edmonton.
BACKGROUND: Five-year-old battling brain cancer steals the show in Oilers-Sharks game
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The card released by Upper Deck features the five-year-old, who is battling brain cancer, alongside Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
Stelter captured the hearts of hockey fans and has become an Oilers icon of sorts and a good luck charm. Edmonton has yet to lose a game (9-0) with Stelter in the building.
The @EdmontonOilers gave Ben Stelter, a five-year-old fan battling brain cancer, a night he'll never forget. ????
Ben was the pre-game skater, the star of the post-game presser, and was named the team's MVP. pic.twitter.com/trgYmbbLSe
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 25, 2022
But the card showing up online and being sold is not right, says Wayne Wager of Wayne’s Sports Cards and Collectibles.
“I think it’s the people that have multiples on eBay, that you see that five or eight or 10 or 15 listed,” said Wagner. “That’s where you see people getting a little disgruntled and saying, ‘really, do you have to make money off everything?’”
READ: Five-year-old battling brain cancer steals the show in Oilers-Sharks game
Wagner says while it’s not uncommon for sellers to take free items like hockey cards or other collectibles and sell them for a profit, Stelter’s hockey card is different.
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He says it’s a tricky situation because people given a free collectible have every right to do with it what they choose, but he adds if people want to sell the card, the profits should go to a good cause.
Ben Stelter and Connor McDavid Upper Deck hockey card. (Photo Credit: Upper Deck)
“The $150, $200 that they’re going for, maybe donate that to the family or to the Stollery,” said Wagner. “Just something to alleviate a little of the stress from them, instead of taking advantage and making money on it.”
Wagner says since news of Stelter’s hockey card being sold online went viral, he’s noticed some listings disappearing online.
“Upper Deck is great company,” said Wagner. “They understand almost every situation. I don’t think they were expecting this to happen exactly like this.”
